Drug Interactions between dexamethasone and estradiol / norethindrone topical

Estradiol topical may increase the blood levels of dexAMETHasone. This may increase the risk and/or severity of side effects such as swelling, weight gain, electrolyte abnormalities, high blood pressure, high blood glucose, muscle weakness, depression, mood swings, acne, thinning skin, stretch marks, easy bruising, bone density loss, cataracts, glaucoma, menstrual irregularities, excessive growth of facial or body hair, and abnormal distribution of body fat, especially in the face, neck, back, and waist. Other side effects that may occur include decreased ability to fight infections, increased risk of developing infections, and inadequate response to stress such as infection, surgery, trauma, or a severe asthma attack. Children may experience a reduced growth rate during chronic use. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

ADDITIONAL CONTRACEPTION RECOMMENDED: Coadministration with inducers of CYP450 3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of estrogens and progestins. Estrogens have been shown in in vitro and in vivo studies to be partially metabolized by CYP450 3A4, and other steroids including progestins are also believed to undergo metabolism by this isoenzyme. The interaction has been reported primarily with oral contraceptives. There have been case reports of menstrual breakthrough bleeding or unwanted pregnancy in women receiving low-dose oral contraceptives following the addition of known CYP450 3A4 inducers such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, and St. John's wort. Inadequate response to estrogen replacement therapy has also been reported in a patient treated with phenytoin. Aminoglutethimide, a CYP450 3A4 inducer, has been shown to decrease medroxyprogesterone and megestrol serum levels by 74% in six patients stabilized on their progestin regimen.

MANAGEMENT: Pharmacologic response to estrogens and progestins should be monitored more closely whenever a CYP450 3A4 inducer is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the hormone dosage adjusted as necessary. For patients receiving hormonal contraceptives, additional or alternative non-hormonal birth control may be advisable during concomitant therapy with CYP450 3A4 inducers. Additional or alternative non-hormonal birth control may be recommended beyond discontinuation of the CYP450 3A4 inducer(s). Individual product labeling should be consulted for specific time frames. Intrauterine systems are unlikely to be significantly affected because of their local action. Input from a gynecologist or similar expert on adequate contraception, including emergency contraception, should be sought as needed. Patients using replacement therapy should be advised to notify their physician if they experience inadequate control of symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency (e.g., nocturnal sweating, vasomotor disturbances, atrophic vaginitis) or changes in the uterine bleeding profile.